No Sweets for Sweetie

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five

Chapter One

Rarity sighed as she picked up the plates from the table. She had made Sweetie Belle’s favorite, seeing as she was having to stay with Rarity for the next month while their parents went on an extended vacation, and yet the girl had left nearly all of it on her plate. She’s probably simply upset with them. They are always running off and leaving her behind. I don’t know the last time they took her on a trip with them. Even before Sweetie had earned her cutie mark, their parents had gone on many trips, or her sister had simply wanted to stay with Rarity. Now that Sweetie was nearly sixteen and preparing to strike out on her own, their parents were nearly non-existent. She didn’t remember them being so distant when she was growing up. No, I distinctly remember them coming to all of the plays I designed costumes for. She sighed again, scraping Sweetie’s uneaten dinner into the trash before she started washing the dishes.

It wouldn’t be long before Sweetie Belle, along with her two best friends Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, finished the headquarters for Cutie Mark Crusaders Inc. They had saved enough money to buy a plot of land between Sweet Apple Acres and Ponyville, and were in the process of building, what they called, the perfect place to find a cutie mark. With another sigh, Rarity picked up the towel to begin drying the dishes, floating them to their proper places once finished.

With the dishes finished, Rarity walked into her sewing room, looking around at the project designs hanging from the walls. Her business had really taken off over the last few years. She had four stores now. The one in Ponyville was still the primary store, but both Canterlot Boutique and Manehatten Boutique were proving to be more profitable. She had even made a recent venture and opened a store in Appleloosa, though the orders from that store were vastly different from the ones she received from the other three.

For the third time that evening, she sighed. With a shake of her head, she walked up the stairs to Sweetie Bell’s room, gently knocking on the door. “Sweetie, dear, can I come in?”

“Yeah,” she heard. She opened the door to see Sweetie standing in front of a full length mirror, turning in different ways. Sweetie looked at Rarity through the mirror, a smile on her face. “Is everything okay?”

Rarity smiled back, walking over to Sweetie, and looking in the mirror with her. “I am fine. I wanted to check on you. You hardly touched your dinner.”

Sweetie’s smile flickered as she turned to meet Rarity’s gaze. “I just wasn’t hungry.” She looked down, scuffing her hoof on the carpet. “Sorry.” She started when she felt Rarity nuzzling her.

“It’s okay, Sweetie. There is some left over in the fridge if you get hungry later.” She looked over her sister. “Maybe tomorrow we can go out, hmm? Doesn’t that sound nice?”

A half smile formed on Sweetie’s lips, the expression never reaching her green eyes. “I don’t know, Rare. I think I might be getting sick.”

Putting her hoof to Sweetie’s forehead, Rarity furrowed her brow. “You don’t feel warm, but perhaps some rest will make you feel better. I do hope this doesn’t last. I had such wonderful plans for tomorrow.”

Sweetie nuzzled Rarity. “We’ll see how I feel in the morning, okay? I think I’m just going to sleep for now.”

“Okay, dear.” Rarity kissed Sweetie on the forehead, below her horn. “Wake me if you feel worse through the night.”

“I will,” she said. She turned down the pink comforter on her bed and slid between the sheets, the springs in the mattress lightly squeaking in protest. “Goodnight, Rarity.”

“Goodnight, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity reached out with her magic to turn out the light, closing the door behind her.

She walked the short distance to her own room, looking around. Her room, like the rest of the house, was a reflection of her. The large tri-fold mirror with the vanity allowed her to ensure her hair was always perfectly curled and that her makeup looked good from every angle. The rather large wardrobe held a number of outfits and shoes, and her closed closet door hid her winter ware. The bed, though, was the centerpiece of the room. A large four-poster, with a canopy, and a bed of stuffed Gryffon down, it was the most luxurious item she owned.

She lay on the bed, willing herself to go to sleep. She needed to be awake in the morning to complete the orders from her shop in Appleloosa. Then there was the matter of Twilight needing her help with some vague task at the castle. Plus her little sister needed some quality time. Rarity couldn’t tell what it was, but something was bothering the younger mare. Dinner tomorrow, wherever Sweetie Belle wanted to go, was a sure way of getting her to open up. I might even take her to the new moving picture. That seems very exciting.

After what her clock assured her was two hours of not sleeping, Rarity gave up. She pulled herself from her bed and made her way down the hall, to her creativity room. If I’m not sleeping, I might as well be working. She had just sat the last bolt of thick, dull brown cloth out when she heard a small crash come from her kitchen. She froze for a moment, listening intently. Another clink, this one much lighter.

Rarity crept down the stairs to the bottom floor. No lights were on. Oh, perhaps I should have brought my scissors with me. Outside the kitchen door, she steeled herself. Come on, Rarity, you’ve fought so much worse than a common burglar. That thought did nothing to help calm her. With a deep breath, she jumped into the kitchen with a yell, her magic flared and lighting the room in a dim blue glow. “I’ll have you know, I—Oh, Sweetie, it’s just you.” She took a couple calming breaths as her magic found the light switch. “I thought I was being burgled.”

Sweetie remained frozen, looking from the food on the table to Rarity. “Umm, I got hungry.”

With a raised eyebrow, Rarity nodded. “I see that. I’m glad your stomach isn’t bothering you anymore.” She smiled at Sweetie Belle. “Don’t be afraid to turn on the light next time. Do you want some tea?”

Sweetie wrinkled her nose. “No, this is fine.”

“Hmm. I think I’ll have some.” Taking the kettle, she walked over to the sink, filling it with water. “I couldn’t sleep, so I was putting the finishing touches on the order for Appleloosa.” She couldn’t prevent a yawn as she found the tea she was looking for. “Are you certain you don’t want any, Sweetie?”

Sweetie was scraping the last of the leftovers off her plate. “Yeah, I’m sure. I think I’ll try to sleep now.” She placed her dishes in the sink before walking up the stairs, leaving Rarity alone in the kitchen.

Rarity looked down at her white hoof, wondering if there was an easy way to lead Sweetie into a conversation about what was troubling her. Sweetie had been keeping her distance lately, and while Rarity did appreciate the uninterrupted time to do her work, she missed her little sister hanging around, her voice filling the boutique as she sang.

The tea kettle’s whistle pulled her from her thoughts. She pulled a cup from the cabinet and filled it with hot water. She watched the clear turn to a ruddy red and added sugar before walking back up the stairs.

Appleloosa fashion was nothing like Rarity had worked on before. She had made formal dresses more rustic for Applejack, certainly, but these ponies were truly opening a new creative avenue. One mare had asked for a simple dress that she could wear to a rodeo, while a stallion had ordered several thick brown vests made from a cool material. She relished the challenges these creations presented.

The dress was completed, and only needed boxing up, but the vests all needed the final stitch of the design on the back. The rodeo team would certainly get points for flair, if that were a judging category. If only it was, then I could get Applejack to care a little more about how she presents herself. It had taken a while, but finally, the last stitch was made on the last vest.

Rarity scowled at the clock, not wanting to believe it was already past two in the morning. She picked up the empty tea cup and turned out the lights, deciding to pack the garments in the morning. She walked downstairs and dropped her tea cup into the sink. Feeling like she could properly go to bed now, she walked into her bedroom. Grasping the blankets in her light colored magic, she slipped under. She sat up moments later, realizing she hadn’t brushed her teeth after that cup of tea.

She had just slipped her house shoes on when she heard Sweetie Belle’s door open. Light hoofsteps could be heard in the carpeted hall, and the sound of the bathroom door closing. She sat on the bed, prepared to wait a few minutes. A loud splash and a choking sound later, she was in the bathroom.

“Oh, Sweetie,” she said, seeing the younger mare kneeling over the toilet. She ran a cloth under cool water and pressed it to her forehead. “Maybe eating wasn’t such a good idea, after all.” She stroked the pink and purple curls of her sisters mane for a moment, watching the deep breaths. “Do you think that was all?”

With a tense expression, Sweetie glanced over at Rarity. “Umm, yeah. Probably. I’m sorry I woke you.”

“Nonsense. If you’re ill, I will be there to take care of you, darling. Besides, I was still awake.” Pushing Sweetie’s bangs out of her face, Rarity felt her forehead. “Still no fever. Hmm, hopefully this is just a small bug.”

Sweetie stood to her feet, not meeting Rarity’s eyes. “Heh. Yeah. Probably. Umm, I’m going to brush my teeth now.”

Poor dear. Hopefully she’ll be better by tomorrow. I would hate for her to have to stay here while I go to Appleloosa.

Sweetie Belle picked at her hayburger and fries. “So, you’re still leaving tomorrow, right?” she asked, looking up at Rarity.

Rarity nodded. “Yes, darling. Well, we’re going to Appleloosa.”

Pushing a fry through some ketchup, Sweetie bit her lip. “I don’t want to go. Can’t I just stay here?”

“Why don’t you want to go?” Rarity looked down at the half-eaten food. “Are you still feeling sick?”

Sweetie nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be okay. I’m sure Apple Bloom and Scootaloo will come by and keep me company. We uhh, we were going to go ‘crusading’ again,” she said, using air quotes. “You know, for old times sake, before we get the center up and running.”

Rarity frowned, but didn’t push the subject. Perhaps she’s just trying to show her independence. After all, many foals find apprenticeships after receiving their cutie marks. Those three were just so unique. Clearing her throat, Rarity nodded. “You’re all but a grown mare. I think I can trust you to stay by yourself for a week.”

Taking a deep breath, she shifted in her seat. This was half your reason for this. Go on and ask her. “Sweetie, I would like to ask you something.” The almost fearful expression on Sweetie Belle’s was not what Rarity had expected, but she didn’t let that stop her now that she was finally asking. “Are you certain this isn’t about something else?”

Sweetie blinked, her face losing all expression. “W-What are you talking about?” Her voice squeaked on that last word.

So, something is troubling you. “Your stomach trouble. You’re upset that our parents haven’t been, well, around for you, aren’t you?” Rarity placed her hoof on Sweetie’s as the younger girl sat back in her seat, letting out a held breath. “I can talk to them.”

With a small, genuine smile, Sweetie Belle shook her head. “I have you, Rares. That’s all that really matters.”

“Oh, you,” Rarity said, squeezing Sweetie’s hoof. “I love you, too.”

Author's Note

Also, what do you think so far? Let me know how you feel, whether you love it or hate it. Any criticism is appreciated.

Chapter Two

The dust that ponies kicked up outside didn’t seem to like to stay outside. Rarity cleared her throat again, thankful that she had a covered glass of water. She had made it to Appleloosa two days ago to deliver the clothing and make any final adjustments. The mare, a lovely young earth pony, had adored her dress. Once she had made the small adjustments the dress needed, she had found the rodeo team. She had expected the vest to be nearly perfect, like the mares dress had been. They would have been, too, except the team had simply guessed their sizes.

The two mares and one of the stallions, thankfully, hadn’t been far off the mark, and their adjustments were easy. Another stallion had overshot his measurements by more than a smidgen, but Rarity had done her best to adjust his vest so that it wouldn’t be a hindrance as he used his lasso.

The last stallion of the team, Duke, posed the largest problem. He was quite possibly the most muscled stallion Rarity had ever laid eyes on. He would have made Bulk Biceps look like a beginner. “I sure am sorry, ma’am,” he drawled, as Rarity fussed over his vest. She could cut away and make room in the much too small garment, but that would ruin the insignia on the back. She hadn’t brought enough cloth to make up for the difference so the vest would be able to buckle in the front, either.

She closed her eyes for a moment. “It was a simple mistake. I shall fix it.” I hope, she added, biting her lip. Had the vest been overly large, she could have made it work, but it was too small. She couldn’t simply magically enlarge it. Doing so would weaken the fabric, and with the casual flexing power of that pony, it would rip before the show was half over.

“Ma’am,” Duke tried again, walking over to her.

Her eyes met his, and he shrank back. “I only wanted to say that you don’t have to go through all this here fuss. It was my mistake. You made exactly what we asked you too.” He smiled, and Rarity finally relaxed slightly. He isn’t bad looking. He’s just so…muscly. His dark brown hair off set the green of his coat, and his eyes, the color of sunlight through whiskey, made her never want to look away. “I’ve brought you your bits,” he said, his accent elongating his words. Still, the muscles. If only they weren’t quite so…big. He seems a gentlecolt.

Rarity smiled. “Oh, darling, I would feel just awful leaving you without a vest to wear with your team before the rodeo this weekend.” She placed a hoof on his shoulder. “After all, I want to be able to see my team from the stands.”

His eyes shone as he smiled. “You’re staying to watch?”

Oh, but he’s such a sweetheart. Perhaps I could get over the size of his muscles. “Of course. I need to make sure my designs stand up. These are the first rodeo costumes I’ve ever made that are going to get regular use.”

His cheeks took a pinkish hue as he opened his mouth. Whatever he had been about to say was cut off, as a flash of magenta appeared between the two, a scroll falling to the ground as their eyes focused.

“Wha—What was that?” he asked, still blinking away spots from his eyes.

“Oh dear,” Rarity said, picking the scroll up. “It’s a letter from my friend Twilight.” She unfurled it, glancing at him. “I’m sorry, but this must be urgent. I don’t even know how she teleported this scroll from Ponyville.”

“I have all day, ma’am. Take your time.”

With a smile, she began reading.

Rarity

“Hmm, not even Dear Rarity? No time for niceties?” she murmured, mostly to herself.

I know you’re on an important business trip to Appleloosa but you have to come back to Ponyville. Sweetie Belle collapsed earlier at Sugarcube Corner. They’ve admitted her to the hospital, and I’m acting as her guardian until you are able to be here. The doctors say she’ll be fine now, but also that it’s urgent that you’re here.

Twi

Rarity stared at the letter for a moment, her mouth moving but not forming words, her eyes no larger than pinpricks. Then she was running, the letter falling to the ground as she moved as quickly as she could to the train station.

She was breathing hard as she made it to the ticket booth. “When’s the next train to Ponyville?”

The stallion behind the ticket booth gave her a concerned look. “Tomorrow.”

Oh, no, no no. “What about close to Ponyville?

“Still tomorrow. No trains going that direction for the rest of the day.”

Rarity blinked. Then she blinked again. “No. No, no, no.” Turning she ran back toward the center of town, bursting into the sheriff’s office. She grabbed the first officer she could find, her expression almost manic. “I need help.”

“Okay, ma’am. What seems to be the problem?” The officer pushed her hooves off his uniform as he asked, making sure there were a few steps between them.

“I have to get to Ponyville. My sister…” Her heart pounded against her chest. She had known better than to leave Sweetie Belle by herself. She was no better than their parents, running off and leaving the poor filly. “She’s…I need…”

“You’re Braeburn’s pal, ain’t you? Come on, let’s go find him and get you sorted.” He trotted ahead of her. “So, what exactly has happened?”

Rarity was barely keeping her breathing under control. “My sister is in the hospital. I don’t know why. She’s all alone. Our parents are gone on a trip, and I need to be there.” She felt the tears running down her face. “I need to get to Ponyville."

He led her back to Appleloosa Boutique, where Duke was still sitting. “Ah, Duke, just the pony I wanted to see. Will you make sure Miss Rarity stays here while I go and find Braeburn?”

Inclining his head, Duke glanced between the sheriff and Rarity. “Yessir.” He glanced at Rarity once more, as she took slow deep breaths to try and calm herself. “I reckon she’s worked into a tizzy.”

“Good reason, though,” the officer said as he left the shop.

Gingerly, Rarity picked the letter back up. She should have realized something was wrong This was Twilight’s own writing, and it was sloppy. She hadn’t even bothered signing her whole name. She didn’t understand what could have been wrong. Sweetie had that stomach bug the other day, but that should have ran its course by now.

“Ma’am, you want to talk about your letter?” Duke asked. “I didn’t mess with it. I sure hate to see you so upset, though.”

She looked over at him, the tears in her eyes blurring her vision. “I’m sitting in Appleloosa, while my sister, my sweet, precious little sister, has collapsed for no reason and is currently in the hospital.” She fell to her rump, looking at the ground. “I’m supposed to be looking after her and here I am, stuck with no way of getting to her.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say that,” Braeburn said, stepping into the shop. “Come now, Miss Rarity. I’ve found a couple ponies you’re going to be overjoyed to see. Just showed up on my doorstep ‘bout the same time as the sheriff.”

Rarity was on her hooves in an instant. “Oh, thank Celestia.”

Braeburn chuckled. “Almost literally. I think it was Princess Twilight, though.”

Exiting the shop, Rarity saw two pegasus guards standing tall, their golden armor emblazoned with a silver six pointed star, a chariot behind them. “Lady Rarity,” they said, inclining their heads. “The Princess sent us to bring you to Ponyville.”

Without even saying goodbye, Rarity was on the back of the chariot and the guards took off. “Am I ever glad to see you,” she said, looking forward between the guards. “I was about to have a nervous breakdown trying to find a way home.” She sat, the adrenaline from her earlier panic starting to wear off. “How did you get to Appleloosa so quickly?”

The guard on the left looked back at her. “The Princess sent us hours ago, while she was researching how to long-distance teleport.”

“It-It’s been hours?” Rarity asked.

The guard on the right nodded. “’Fraid so, Lady Rarity. We got here as quick as we could. The Princess wanted to just pull you to Ponyville, but it seems like she didn’t figure that one out in time.”

Rarity suddenly felt light headed. “Okay then. Thank you both ever so much. I can’t imagine how tired you both must be.”

The guard on the left smiled. “It’s our honor, Lady Rarity. Sweetie Belle is our friend, and she adores you.”

“You know Sweetie Belle?”

The guard chuckled. “’Course I know Sweetie Belle, Lady Rarity. It’s me, Rumble.”

“Oh my, Rumble, really?”

He smiled. “Yeah.” He poked his partner with his elbow. “Come on, Streak, let’s double time this thing.”

“For real?”

“For real.”

The guards landed in front of Ponyville Medic, and Rarity jumped out of the chariot, throwing one last thank you over her shoulder as she rushed into the hospital. She shivered slightly as she made her way to the front desk. The unnatural whiteness of everything, the artificial smell of the air, the long hallways with strange medical instruments. She hated hospitals, especially at night.

She made it to the front desk and the welcome stallion looked up at her. “How can I help you?”

Managing to keep her voice level as she spoke, she said, “I’m Rarity, Sweetie Belle’s sister. What room is she in?”

After a shuffle and a look through a couple files, the stallion looked up. “114. Down that hall and take a left.”

With a quick “thank you,” she took off at a quick trot. She made it into the room to see Sweetie Belle hooked to several monitors, her white coat looking rough around the edges. Twilight was asleep in a chair to the side, the princess drooling onto her purple fur. The room was filled with an assortment of presents. A small basket of apples sat on the table next to Sweetie Belle’s bed. Balloons were tied to the railings. Flowers and books were placed on the window seal. She took a few more steps toward Sweetie, her eyes filling with fresh tears.

She brought her hoof up to stroke the sleeping girls mane. “Oh Sweetie,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.” The only reply was the steady beeping of the monitors. She wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t want to wake her sister, but she also wanted to grab her into the biggest hug she had ever given her.

“Oh, hey Rarity, you made it,” came Twilight’s sleepy voice. “I was worried you wouldn’t get my note, or that Rumble and Streak would be slower.” She stretched, getting out of the chair slowly. She walked over to where Rarity was standing. “It isn’t your fault, you know. It would have happened either way.”

Rarity looked into Twilight’s face. “Do you know what happened?”

“Apparently, her blood pressure was too low. They talked to her after she woke up, but she’s been out again for a few hours.” Twilight looked directly at Rarity. “They didn’t tell me exactly what was wrong. I do have a few guesses, but they are all so different…”

“She’s okay now, right?”

Twilight nodded. “For now, yes.”

Rarity walked over to the chair and sat. “What happened? At Sugarcube Corner, I mean.”

Twilight sighed, sitting on the floor next to Rarity. “Pinkie was there, so she would be the better pony to explain.” She stopped for a moment, brow furrowed. “Actually, never mind that. From what I understand, she was in line with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, explaining that she wasn’t hungry because she had ate a large breakfast. Apple Bloom told her she didn’t, since she had woken Sweetie up and they had left your house together.” Twilight looked over at Sweetie, the mare seemingly sleeping peacefully despite all the wires attached to her. “She was about to say something else, when she just…passed out. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were here until the nurses forced them to leave. All the girls stopped by, too, and some of Sweetie’s other friends.” She looked at Rarity again.

“Why would she lie about eating breakfast?” Rarity asked, looking at Sweetie. “I even bought her favorite cereal.”

For a while, the mares sat in silence, neither knowing what to say. Finally, Twilight yawned and stood, stretching out her wings. “I think I should go back to the castle now. It would probably do you good to go home and sleep, too, you know.”

Rarity shook her head. “No, Sweetie needs me here when she wakes up.”

A small smile formed on Twilight’s face. “Yeah, I thought so. My blanket and pillow are in the drawer there, feel free to use them.”

“Twilight,” Rarity called as her friend turned to the door. “Thank you. For everything.”

Chapter Three

Rarity had drifted in and out of a fitful sleep for the rest of the night, always opening her eyes at Sweetie’s slightest sound. So, when she heard Sweetie’s voice saying her name just after Celestia raised the sun, she bolted upright. Her blue eyes met her sisters green. She was on her hooves and by the bed an instant. “Do you need something, sweetheart?”

Sweetie furrowed her brow. “You aren’t supposed to be back yet. You’re supposed to be in Appleloosa.”

With a shake of her head, Rarity laid her hoof on Sweetie’s. “Do you really think I could stay out there knowing that you needed me here?” Rarity took a shaky breath. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“She isn’t okay,” Nurse Redheart said, walking into the room. “Your parents aren’t here?” she asked, looking between Sweetie Belle and Rarity. When Rarity shook her head, Nurse Redheart sighed. “Very well. Your sister is malnourished. Her blood sugar was too low, and that’s why she passed out. There was also an electrolyte imbalance, both of which we’ve managed to bring to regular levels.”

“Mal-malnourished? That’s impossible. I cook, and we eat together, and I know my parents aren’t starving her, even if they aren’t the best.” Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle. “I mean, look at her. She appears fine.”

Nurse Redheart took a deep breath. “Rarity, I need you to sit down, okay?” Once Rarity found the seat, Nurse Redheart nodded. “This is difficult, I’ll admit. Your sister has been—”

“Wait!” A glance at Sweetie Belle showed the girl’s terrified expression as she watched Rarity. She swallowed, taking a few deep breaths. “It’s me. I…I…” She started breathing heavier, never taking her gaze off Rarity. “It’s just a diet, you know? So I can be thinner.”

It felt like ice flowing through Rarity’s veins as Sweetie spoke. Everything seemed to slow down as she took in the image of her sister, lying in the hospital bed. “What’s just a diet?” she asked, fearing the answer.

Tears were already falling from Sweetie Belle’s eyes. “I…” She trailed off, biting her lip. “It’s hard to just not eat, you know? So I eat and then I…I throw it up. I know that’s bad for you, but I haven’t thrown up for the last three days. I’ve been really strong and I haven’t ate anything.”

“Strong?” Rarity walked over to Sweetie Belle, feeling that her own stomach had dropped out of her body. “No, Sweetie Belle. That isn’t strength. Why would…” With tears rolling down her cheeks. she placed a gentle hoof on Sweetie’s cheek, looking into her sisters eyes.

Nurse Redheart cleared her throat. “It’s called Bulimia. It’s a mental condition. It’s possible to heal from its effects.” She held back a flinch as Rarity and Sweetie turned their gaze to her. “I do need to speak to you privately, Rarity.”

They walked out into the nearly empty hallway. “Here’s the thing. We’re willing to release her to you today.” Rarity nodded. “She is required to see at therapist at least once a week. I’ve gotten some materials for you, so you can read up on the condition and look for warning signs of a relapse better.” Nurse Redheart placed her hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “With support, she’ll work through this.”

Rarity looked at everything Nurse Redheart had given her. “I don’t understand how this happened.”

“Talk to her. She might open up.” Glancing at the open door of the room, Nurse Redheart shook her head. “I never thought I’d see those three in for something like this. A broken bone, maybe, or other problem from their recklessness, but this…” She shrugged. “She’s a strong filly. She’ll pull through. I’m sure of it.”

“I don’t want to see some stupid therapist,” Sweetie groaned. “That’s just somepony for me to go whine about how terrible my life is, when it isn’t.” Rarity sat a sandwich in front of Sweetie Belle. Sweetie poked it before sighing. “I’m not hungry.”

“I don’t care.” Rarity sat across from her with a cup of tea. “I’m not…we’re not…” She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed deep. “Sweetie Belle, this is part of your release. You have to eat and keep it down. It’s just a daisy sandwich.”

“It’s two hundred calories, is what it is.” Still, she picked it up and took a bite.

After a few moments of silence, Rarity cleared her throat. “Why? Why did you…” she swallowed. Say it. If you can’t say it, you won’t be able to help her. “Why did you throw everything up? What started this?”

Sweetie slowly chewed her third bite of the sandwich. “I guess it really started a while ago. Mom was teasing me about my baby pudge, so I stopped eating so many sweets and lost it. It felt nice.” She smiled a bit. “I looked good, you know? Then you showed me how to do my makeup. You showed me how to be beautiful.”

Holding up a hoof, Sweetie shook her head, stopping Rarity from speaking. “I know. I still remember what you said. ‘You’re beautiful without this. I wear it because it boosts my confidence and makes me feel better. It isn’t something with which you draw on a new face, but something to bring out your best features.’ I wrote that down and memorized it.”

“You did?” Rarity asked, a little shocked.

Sweetie nodded. “I did. Then I started looking at your fashion magazines. I saw how pretty the models were. How thin they were. I saw that and wanted it. I guess about six months ago I threw up on purpose for the first time.”

She’s been doing this for six months, and I’ve been none the wiser?

“I had gone to Sugarcube Corner with AB and Scoots. We had cupcakes and pie and milkshakes, to celebrate the amount of money we had saved. I felt so dirty after. Dirtier than normal after eating. So I went to the bathroom and threw it up, and suddenly I felt lighter than I had in ages.” She looked up at Rarity. “It was freedom, in a way. And power. I could be thin, and maybe…” She trailed off, biting her lip.

“And maybe?” Rarity prodded.

Sweetie swallowed, looking down at the sandwich again, the words coming quickly from her mouth. “Maybe mom and dad would notice that I was getting thinner and be proud. Maybe you would want me to be a model. Maybe I could be something instead of nothing.”

Silence hung in the air as Sweetie picked up the sandwich and took a bite. She refused to meet Rarity’s gaze, though she could feel her sister’s eyes on her. It took until she finished the sandwich for her to look up. “Say something, Rarity.”

“You think you’re nothing?” Her voice was soft and quiet. She stood and walked over to where Sweetie was sitting, kneeling so that she had to look up at her sister. “You have never been nothing, Sweetie Belle. You’ve written plays that ponies have gone to, you’ve helped foals find their souls calling. You’ve brought me happiness and joy just by being my sister.” Quiet tears ran down Rarity’s face. “You’ve always been a marvelous pony.”

Sweetie threw herself onto Rarity, burying her face in Rarity’s neck. Sobs shook her as Rarity held tightly to her, stroking her back. “That’s right, let it all come out,” Rarity soothed. She hummed, rocking them back and forth as they sat on the kitchen floor.

Rarity could feel Sweetie’s chest expand as she took deep breaths, the wetness of her tears as they ran onto her coat, her hot breath as her breathing hitched. “I feel like nothing.” The words came out between sobs, as the younger mare fought for control. “I know I don’t live up to what you wanted, and I’m sorry.” Rarity continued to run a comforting hoof over Sweetie’s back. “It’s just so hard. I really had control of this one thing that I couldn’t screw up, and even that was a mistake.”

“I’ve always been proud of you.” Rarity added as much affection as she could to her words as she softly spoke. “I should have said it more, but you have always been a shining light for me. I want you as who you are, dear, not some perceived thought of perfection that no one can grasp.”

Time passed as Sweetie poured out more tears than Rarity though she could ever hold, though she didn’t say anything else. Eventually, Sweetie stopped crying, though she didn’t pull away. Instead she snuggled closer to Rarity, letting her sister just hold her. The setting sun could be seen through the window when Sweetie Belle finally pulled away from Rarity. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice rough from crying.

Rarity shook her head and put her hoof under Sweetie Belle’s chin, making sure she wouldn’t look away. “I love you, Sweetie Belle.”

Though her eyes were rimmed with red and puffy, she gave Rarity a small, true smile. “I love you, too.”

Rarity slowly stood, her legs stiff from sitting on the hard floor so long. “Come on, we’ve sat here for long enough. What do you say to a walk in the park?”

Loud pounding broke apart Rarity’s dream. She groaned, turning over to look at the clock, proudly declaring that it was five in the morning. She grumbled, pulling her house shoes on and making her way to the door. She rubbed her eyes once to help wake her before throwing open the door.

“I’m terribl—“ Rarity scowled at the white earth pony stallion and pink unicorn mare standing in front of her. “Oh, mother, father. We weren’t expecting you back so soon.”

“We got the telegram that Sweetie Belle was in the hospital and left as soon as we could,” Hondo Flanks said.

Rarity turned, leaving the door open for them to step through, and made her way to the kitchen. “Yes, I suppose you put in a lot of effort for that, did you?”

“Rarity,” Cookie Crumble reprimanded. “Of course we did. Sweetie Belle is our daughter—“

Rarity stiffened at the words, spinning about to face her parents, who had barely crossed into the house. “Don’t. You. Even. Think that you can come here and tell me how much you care about Sweetie Belle.” Her eyes were blazing as she looked at her parents. “It has been four days. Four days!” Her nostrils flared as she breathed. “Do you know who’s been here, well before you? Princess Twilight Sparkle, who stayed the night with her in the hospital. Princess Luna, and not just in a dream. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance!” She gritted her teeth as they looked at her, wide eyed and open mouthed, unable to say anything. “And you, you couldn’t get here from Las Pegasus for four days! No, I don’t think so. You can just trot yourselves right out that door, and Sweetie will see you at her convince.”

Cookie Crumble stepped forward, looking her daughter square in the eye. “We have the right to see our little girl, Rarity.”

“You can see her whenever she wants. You’re always so busy going to this place or that town, dropping her here every time. Well, that’s fine. She’ll stay here now.” Rarity stood, glaring at them. “So, get out of my house.”

“Now, see here, young lady—“

“Out!” she screeched, pointing a hoof toward the door. “I thought I would talk reasonably, but I’ve changed my mind. Get out.”

She slammed the door shut just as their tails crossed the threshold. She stood by the door, breathing heavily, until she heard hoofsteps on the stairs. “You really told them,” Sweetie said, looking at the door. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you yell like that.”

Rarity took another deep breath, feeling herself cool down. “I’m sorry I woke you up, Sweetie. You can go talk to them, or go back home, if you want. I simply couldn’t let them…I wouldn’t.”

Sweetie nuzzled Rarity, pulling away with a yawn. “After such a late night, what with Pinkie’s ‘Let’s Eat’ party, I just really want to sleep.”

With a smile, Rarity nodded. “Yes, sleep sounds wonderful.”

They made their way up the stairs and were just about to walk into their separate bedrooms when Sweetie stopped. “Rarity?”

“Hmm?” She looked over to see Sweetie’s pensive expression.

“Can I sleep with you?”

“Of course,” Rarity said, opening the door and waiting for Sweetie to walk in.

Sweetie flopped onto the bed, sighing at the comfort of the mattress. “You know, I could get used to this bed.”

“Well, perhaps I’ll buy one for your room at the one month mark? Does that sound like a good reward?”

Sitting up, Sweetie looked at her sister. “Seriously? You would drop that much money on a bed for me? I’m not even here that much.”

Rarity bit her lip. “You could be, if you wanted to. I… I want you here with me, if you want to be.”

A slow smile spread across Sweetie Belle’s face as she lay back onto the bed. “You’re the best sister ever, you know that?”

“I’ll take that as a yes?”

“Of course,” squealed Sweetie Belle.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle were in the kitchen preparing lunch when another knock came to the door. Rarity slowly put down the knife she had been using to slice a tomato. “I’ll be back in a moment,” she said, leaving Sweetie slicing radishes.

She opened the door with a flourish and a grin. “Welcome to Carousel—Oh, hello, Duke.” Her smiled changed to a more happy one. “What brings you to Ponyville?”

Moving to the side, Duke gestured to the luggage beside him. “Braeburn said you wrote to him, asking that your stuff be sent back here, and I thought I’d see that it made it to Ponyville.”

Rarity smiled, levitating the luggage. “That was very kind of you. Would you like to come in, Sweetie Belle and I were just making lunch.”

Duke glanced behind him for a second before nodding. “I reckon I have a few minutes. I can’t stay long. The rest of the team is waiting back at the station. We have another rodeo down south in a couple of days.”

“Hmm, yes, did the ensembles I make work out?” She led him through the main shop and into the kitchen as she spoke. “Oh, Sweetie Belle, this is Duke, a client from Appleloosa. Duke, this is my younger sister, Sweetie Belle.”

He inclined his head. “Howdy, Miss. Glad to see you’re feeling better. Sure had your sister in a state. She ran off without any of her things.”

Sweetie’s eyebrows shot up. “You left all your stuff in Appleloosa?”

“It was all at Braeburn’s house, perfectly safe.” She turned away from Sweetie’s disbelieving stare to look at Duke. “Would you like lunch before you go?”

“Gee, I’d love to, but I do need to get back to the station here in a few minutes. Maybe some other time.” His cheeks tinged pink as he looked at her. “Maybe I could take you out sometime.”

Rarity licked her lips. “Oh. I see.” She took a deep breath and smiled at him. “That’s a lovely offer, Duke, but I don’t believe I can accept. Though perhaps a friendly meeting if we’re ever in the same town again wouldn’t be amiss.”

He nodded. “Alrighty, Miss Rarity. I guess I’ll see you when you come to Appleloosa again.” He smiled at Sweetie Belle. “Nice meeting you.”

Rarity saw him out, sighing as she shut the door. Really, though, we just would not have worked out. I swore off cowponies after that fiasco with Macintosh.

“He never did tell me how those vests worked out,” she mused as she walked back into the kitchen. She stopped as she watched Sweetie Belle. The girl held a slice of bread in her hoof, staring at it intently. “Is everything okay, Sweetie?”

Raising her eyes to look at Rarity, Sweetie Belle shrugged. “I don’t know. I can’t tell if I’m not hungry, or if it’s just my brain tricking me into thinking it. I know I have to eat anyway, but…I just don’t know.” She licked her lips.

With a frown, Rarity walked over and stood next to her sister. “Well, I believe your therapist said to figure out your emotional state, correct? Are you upset about anything?”

Sweetie Belle bit her lip before nodding her head. “You could have said yes to him. I can survive you dating.” Looking back at the bread in her hoof, she sighed. “You deserve a nice special somepony, so you can be happy. Like you’ve always talked about.”

With a smile, Rarity put her hoof under Sweetie’s chin so the younger girl would look at her. “I am happy. I don’t need a special somepony in my life to have that. Duke and I aren’t the right fit.” She moved her hoof, starting to assemble her own sandwich. “Besides, I have a pony in mind. It’s just a bit of a scary thing to admit, even to myself.”

“Well, who is he?”

A faint pink tinged Rarity’s cheeks. “I am not telling you who he is until I’ve figured things out myself.”

Sweetie groaned. "Come on, throw me something." Sweetie gave a self-assured grin. "Is it Big Mac?"

Rarity felt her blush darken. “Who it is isn’t important. Come now, you said you wanted to visit our parents. Eat up.”

Chapter Four

Rarity sighed as she picked up the plates from the table. She had made Sweetie Belle’s favorite, in celebration of one month clean. While Sweetie was getting a shower, Rarity was cleaning up. Her sister’s voice traveled through the halls, unhindered by the open bathroom door. She still doesn’t trust herself to close the door. At first, Rarity had been worried that Sweetie would just try harder to hide what she was doing, but she was doing everything she could to stay ‘clean’, as she put it.

The bathroom door, by Sweetie Belle’s own decision, was to be open anytime she was in there alone. She heard her sister stop short of swearing as a clatter of bottles fell. “Everything okay, Sweetie Belle?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I still don’t understand why you need so many things. A bottle of mane shampoo and conditioner, and then some for your coat, and you’re good.” The water shut off and she heard Sweetie step out of the tub. “I swear you have like ten times the normal amount.”

A few moments later and Sweetie walked into the kitchen, her wet, unbrushed mane wrapped in a towel. “Need some help?”

Rarity looked down at the plate she was drying. “No, I have this. You go on and spend the last night in that bed of yours. Your new one arrives tomorrow.”

A grin spread across Sweetie’s face. “Yeah. I can’t believe you actually bought me one.” Sweetie turned and went up the stairs. Rarity sighed at the water droplets on the floor, finding the mop and drying them up before she finished cleaning and went to prepare herself for bed.

After she finished the dishes, Rarity walked into her creativity room, her mind on her sisters hard-won one month anniversary. She thought she had always taught Sweetie Belle that she was beautiful, and that as long as she was healthy everything was okay, but then she had looked at the models she used. They were all thin, though none were unhealthily so, but other models were. So now she was putting a more concentrated effort into using a variety of models. The different designs hanging around the room reflected that now.

She walked out of the creativity room and sighed for the third time that evening, staring for a moment at Sweetie Belle’s door. Perhaps I can make a revolution and stop the fashion industry’s part in this. She walked into the bathroom and scrubbed her face clean of makeup as she prepared for bed herself.

Nearly an hour later she was turning down the sheets on her bed when she heard a light knock on her bedroom door. “It’s open,” she said, watching as Sweetie stepped inside. Her eyes were red rimmed and puffy, tears still streaming down her face as she stood by the door.

“What’s wrong?” Rarity asked, walking toward her. She hadn’t taken two steps before Sweetie ran to her, wrapping her hooves around Rarity’s neck. Sweetie shook her head, so Rarity stroked her back, trying to sooth her without knowing what was wrong. Eventually, Sweetie pulled away and looked at her.

Sweetie sniffled and rubbed her eyes before taking a deep breath. In a voice nearly too quiet to hear, she asked, “Can I sleep in here tonight?”

“Of course you can,” Rarity said. “But what’s wrong, Sweetie?”

The younger mare swallowed, putting her hoof on her stomach. “I can feel all the food. I ate a lot at dinner, you know, and I don’t want it anymore, and it’s everything I can do to not throw it all up right now, and I just need to be with you tonight.”

Rarity’s expression softened. “Of course you can stay with me tonight.” She looked directly into Sweetie Belle’s green eyes. “Any night you need me, just come in here, no matter what, okay?”

Sweetie nodded, turning and walking to Rarity’s bed. “Thanks, Rarity.” She snuggled between the blankets. “You really are the best big sister ever.”

Rarity crawled into the bed beside her, wrapping her hoof around Sweetie. “You don’t have to struggle alone. We’ll work through this.” Using her magic, she pulled the blankets over them and turned out the lights. Softly, she began to sing, feeling Sweetie Belle relax at the gentle melody. It wasn’t long before Sweetie’s breaths evened out and she drifted off.

It took Rarity a while longer. She rolled over, staring across the room at a darkened corner. She knew Sweetie was getting better. She could see it, but nights like tonight made her worry. What if Sweetie started again, but got better at hiding it? What if Rarity herself was a weak link that would drag Sweetie down again? All of Sweetie’s friends, all of Rarity’s friends, and their family had rallied around and were working to make things better for her.

Applejack and Hydroflame had been supportive and took precautions whenever Sweetie went to one of her best friend’s houses. Everyone was doing what they could to make recovery easier on Sweetie Belle, but from what Rarity knew, it wasn’t as simple as just eating. The largest part was a mental battle that her little sister would mostly face on her own. If tonight had shown her anything, it was that Sweetie was strong enough to ask for support, and that she was trying to get better.

With a yawn, Rarity closed her eyes. Everything was getting better, and the morning would bring a bright new day.

Rarity levitated the teapot to the table, looking at the three ponies situated around it. Her father sat in his straw hat, letting everyone know he planned to go fishing later. Her mother, as always, had a casual but fashionable blouse and shirt on. Sweetie Belle was munching on a cookie while looking between her parents and Rarity. Finally, Rarity sat, taking the empty seat next to Sweetie Belle.

“Thank you for coming over.” Picking up the teapot, Rarity focused on pouring just the right amount of tea in everyone’s cup.

Hondo smiled. “Anything for our little girls.” A wink at Sweetie Belle later and she was giggling. “After all, you’re both big important business mares now. It’s nice of you to remember us lowly ponies.”

“Oh, father, please,” Rarity said, rolling her eyes. “Their clubhouse isn’t even opened yet.”

“Hey,” Sweetie said, glaring at Rarity. “We already have a bunch of applicants, you know. Besides, just you wait; we’ll have more shops than you someday.”

“Is that so?” Rarity asked, raising her eyebrows.

Sweetie nodded with a grin. “Yep. “

After a few moments, where everypony focused on their tea and Sweetie’s became at least half sugar and milk, Hondo cleared his throat. “So, Rarity. I’m guessing you wanted to talk about something, since this is the first time you’ve invited us back to your house.”

The relaxed atmosphere the gentle teasing had created vanished almost instantly. Rarity sat her cup down and looked up at her parents. “I might have overreacted that morning. I’m not certain that I did, but it is possible.” She looked over to Sweetie, who waved her hoof for Rarity to continue. “Sweetie has asked me to sit and talk about my frustrations with the two of you. Since she feels so much better after talking things out with her therapist, she thought we might benefit from a talk as well.”

She looked at her parents. The same two ponies who had cared for her and loved her as she was growing. The same two faces that always lit up with pride when she talked of nearly anything she had accomplished. The same two faces that she loved and wanted to please. Then her eyes fell on Sweetie Belle, who kept her steady gaze on Rarity. Swallowing, Rarity stirred the tea in her cup.

“These things are rather difficult to say. I was-I am angry with you.” She took a breath to gather her thoughts. “I remember you being at all of my school functions, at the opening of my shop here in Ponyville. I remember us doing things together as a family. Then I moved out, and somehow, Sweetie lived with me nearly half the time. The two of you were never around.”

“We—“ Cookie started, but Rarity cut her off.

“No, please, let me finish. It started off simple at first. You would even ask me to watch her. Then it was just natural that she would be at my house while the two of you went wherever you wanted to go.” She met her parents eyes, ensuring they were listening. “You missed her first play production. You missed her excitement over carrying the Ponyville flag in the Equestrian Games. You missed her cutecenera, and when you returned, you had nothing more than a little bobble for her.”

Rarity clenched her teeth. She would not let her emotions get the best of her. She breathed in deeply thorough her nose and looked at her tea, and her parents took the chance to respond.

Cookie looked between Rarity and Sweetie Belle. “We realize we haven’t been the parents we probably should have been. We’ve been to the therapy sessions we were invited to. Sweetie Belle let us know what kind of parents we had been to her, and the three of us worked through that.”

Rarity released a breath, nodding. “I know. That’s why Sweetie wanted us to talk. Why I’m even giving this a chance. I have so many conflicting feelings for the two of you. Right now, there is a lot of resentment, but I’m trying to work through that.” She looked up at her parents, the hurt her words caused apparent in their eyes. “I do love you. I just wish I understood why you changed. I can’t understand why you became so selfish as to leave your youngest daughter so much, just to go site seeing.”

Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumble were silent. Rarity stirred her tea. Sweetie munched on a cookie.

After a few moments, Sweetie Belle stood. “I’m going to go out, okay? See what AB and Scoots are doing, you know?”

With a small nod, Rarity watched her sister walk out the door. Once the click of the latch reached her ears, she looked back at her parents. “It might not be fair of me, and I understand that. I think I just need some time. Maybe…maybe we could meet again next week. For a family dinner?”

Cookie looked at her husband with a small smile. “I think that’s long overdue, sweetheart.”

Sweetie grinned at Rarity from behind the counter. When she had walked into Sugarcube Corner later that day to meet up with her friends, Rarity had expected to see Cup Cake or Carrot Cake, or even Pinkie Pie working a late shift, but not Sweetie Belle taking orders. “What do you mean you work here now?”

Rarity glanced behind her. Pinkie and Twilight sat in their usual booth sipping on their drinks and watching the exchange with unhidden interest. She turned back to Sweetie, who was still smiling. “I’m still trying to save bits, you know, and so instead of doing odd jobs and having you pay me for helping around your shop, I thought I would get a proper job. The Cakes hired me on the spot when I asked.”

“What are you going to do once CMC Inc. opens, pray tell?”

“Oh, I can do both. It isn’t like we’ll be all that busy at first, and I’m really just giving them more time to help Pumpkin and Pound with their flight and magic homework. I don’t remember Cheerilee giving me nearly that much stuff about magic in first grade.” Sweetie smiled at her sister, tilted her head slightly, and shrugged. “So, what do you want, Rarity?”

With a small, playful huff, Rarity gave her order and Sweetie Belle retrieved the treats. Rarity sat beside Twilight in the booth, looking between her and a grinning Pinkie. “So, were the two of you in on this?”

“I was!” Pinkie said. “So was Thunderlane. Although Sweetie was a little wrong. Thundy is helping Pound with his flying and the Cakes are still looking for a unicorn who can help Pumpkin with her magic.”

“I’m helping Pumpkin right now,” Twilight explained, “but with the Princesses giving me more and more responsibilities in the government, I haven’t got the amount of time that I used to have. I’m trying to have them send her to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, but they don’t really want her to go.”

Rarity chuckled. “I would say not. Can you imagine separating those two? Why, I dare say it would break both of their hearts.” She poked her milkshake with a hoof for a moment, before looking back up at her friends. “I know I’ve said it before, but I really want to thank you girls for everything you’ve done.”

Twilight put her hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “We’re your friends, Rarity. It’s what we’re here for.” She smiled. “That, and guilt tripping your parents, apparently. Did you ever tell them Shiny and Cadance were just here for a ‘diplomatic visit’?”

Rarity giggled. “No, I haven’t. I may at our dinner next week.”

“Good.” Looking at the clock on the wall, Twilight scowled. “Now, where are the others?”

As if on cue, Applejack and Fluttershy walked in, pulling Rainbow Dash by her tail. “Guys, seriously, that twerp just insulted—“

“Let it go, Dash,” Fluttershy said. She slipped into the booth next to Pinkie, leaving Dash and Applejack. “She’s long gone by now.”

With a groan, Dash flopped into the seat next to Fluttershy while Applejack took the last empty spot next to Rarity. “’Sides, RD, it isn’t like what she said was wrong. There hasn’t even been a new Daring Do book out in a few years.”

“She didn’t have to say they were just kids’ books like it was some sort of trash, though.”

Twilight snorted. “Welcome to the world of the book elitist. Some people think books have to fit into very specific holes to be good.”

Rarity sat back and listened as Rainbow explained why Daring Do should be considered a classic, a smile on her face.

Chapter Five

Rarity looked around the crowded area. Ponies milled about, walking into the pristine building, casually chatting with friends as they went through the buffet line outside, or talking to three young grinning mares.

“This is something,” Coco said to Rarity, taking in the scene as well. “Your sister and her friends really pulled it off.”

Unable to keep the proud smile off her face, Rarity nodded. “Yes, she did. She’s barely turned sixteen, and she already has her own business. I was still working out of my parents’ house at her age.” She glanced around the crowd again. Applejack and Pinkie were tending to the buffet table. Rainbow Dash was inside giving tours, while Fluttershy was in the back doing the same. She saw Sassy sitting next to Little Wing, both mares laughing, most likely comparing notes over how different the stores they managed were. “I’m glad the three of you could come.”

Coco laughed. “I don’t think any of us would ever say no to a paid day off, Rarity.” She winked at her friend, laughing again. “Still, I’m going to go see what they’re doing. We’ll talk more later, okay?” She walked away, leaving Rarity to watch over the crowd again. Her parents were mingling with the other ponies in the crowd, dutifully telling anyone who would listen that this was their daughters business.

Rarity’s eyes scanned the crowd for Sweetie Belle. Once the announcements and the questioning parents and foals had finally left to check out the facilities, the three business mares had been working the crowd, but she couldn’t seem to spot any of them. Now, where has she gone? Rarity stood and began walking, only to hear Sweetie’s voice calling her name. “There you are, darling, I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Sweetie’s eyes held a mischievous glint as she smiled. “I’ve been looking for you, too. I need you to come over here for a moment.” Not giving Rarity time to move, Sweetie began pushing her sister in the direction.

“Sweetie Belle, is this any way to behave in public?” Rarity spun out of her sisters grasp, the younger mare stopping herself from falling face first into the dirt with a hoof. “What has gotten in to you?”

Scuffing her hoof in the dirt, Sweetie wouldn’t meet Rarity’s eyes. “I just really wanted you to talk to someone. That’s all.”

Still not trusting her sister, Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Who is it?”

Sweetie’s ears perked up and she looked past Rarity as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo led a pony over to them. Rarity looked behind her and saw the trio, turning back to Sweetie with a deadly look on her face. “You didn’t.”

With a slightly nervous laugh, Sweetie rubbed the back of her neck. Well, you weren’t saying anything to him, you know, and you should.”

Rarity filled her lungs and slowly released the breath in order to keep her emotions in check. “When I told you of my crush, I trusted you not to do something like this. I thought you learned your lesson already?”

“Yeah, but that’s why you aren’t getting anything but pushed together.” Sweetie smiled innocently.

“Miss Rarity,” came a voice from behind her. Slowly, Rarity turned and took in the mare standing before her, a casual smile on her face.

“Hello, Macintosh, darling. How are you?”

“Good. Apple Bloom insisted something needed tending to over here.” Big Mac looked around. “Everything seems to be fine.”

Rarity jumped slightly at a hoof poking her side, and turned her head to glare at Sweetie Belle. “If you girls would excuse us,” Rarity said, walking a short distance away.

“Oh, come on!” Sweetie yelled. “Seriously?”

One last glare from Rarity was enough to quiet her.

Big Mac looked confused, but said nothing.

Rarity sighed. “I might have said something to Sweetie the other day, and she’s just being foalish, is all.” She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. “It’s a rather nice day, isn’t it?”

“Eeyup." He took a deep breath, though not one of annoyance. Rarity knew Mac was always one to appreciate nature. Rarity was finding this conversation much easier than she had anticipated it being. Of course her stomach was fluttering a little, but the words were easy to say. “Once this is over, I was wondering if you would like to perhaps go to dinner?” Rarity resisted fluttering her eyelashes. Macintosh was not some colt to be wooed, he was a proper, rugged gentlecolt.

With a smile, Mac nodded. “That sounds nice.” he glanced around again before leaning over and planting a quick kiss to Rarity's cheek.

In the distance, Rarity heard Sweetie Belle yell in victory.

Late that night, soft knocks on her bedroom door barely roused Rarity from her sleep. “Come in,” she said, blinking as the door opened and shut quietly.

“Is Mac here?” Sweetie asked from next to the door.

With a smile, Rarity lit up her horn and turned the lights on. “No, darling, he isn’t. It was the first date Sweetie Belle.”

Sweetie shifted from hoof to hoof, biting her lip. “Good. I…I need to sleep with you tonight. The therapist says I should try to do it on my own, since I won’t always live with you, but…” she bit her lip again, looking down at the carpet. “It’s hard.”

“Well, come on then.” Rarity scooted over as Sweetie slid between the sheets. “You have needed me less and less, you know. This is the first time in nearly two weeks.”

“I haven’t wanted to throw up for a whole week,” Sweetie said as she snuggled into Rarity’s side. “I knew all those people would see me and I thought about how I would look and stuff, and throwing up or skipping meals did cross my mind, but almost like half-thoughts, you know?” She smiled. “The therapist says the thoughts will never fully go away, but that I can make them small enough to just ignore.”

Rarity brushed her hoof through Sweetie’s mane. “I’m so proud of you, little sister.”

With a happy sigh, Rarity snuggled next to Sweetie. Maybe the struggled would continue, but they would face it together.